Learn Hardcore Swahili: Kauli ya kiongozi huyo iliwashtua wengi, lakini ilihimiza uadilifu katika serikali. - That leader’s statement shocked many, but it encouraged integrity in the government.

Kauli translates to “speech” or “statement.” It refers to the content expressed by the leader, emphasizing that what was said had a significant impact.

How does the possessive construction ya kiongozi huyo work here?

The word ya acts as a possessive marker linking kauli (speech) to kiongozi huyo (that leader). This structure shows that the speech belongs to or is given by that leader, with huyo functioning as a demonstrative adjective that specifies which leader is in question.

How is the past tense indicated in the sentence?

The past tense is expressed by the prefix ili- attached to the verbs washtua and himiza. In Swahili, ili- signals that the actions of shocking and encouraging occurred in the past.

What role does the infix wa in iliwashtua play?

The wa in iliwashtua is an object marker that corresponds to the plural object wengi (many). It shows agreement between the verb and its object, indicating that many people were shocked by the speech.

What function does lakini serve in this sentence?

Lakini means “but” and is used to connect two contrasting ideas. It links the clause describing the shocking nature of the speech with the clause that notes how the speech encouraged integrity in the government.

How does the phrase katika serikali contribute to the meaning?

The preposition katika translates as “in” or “within,” and when combined with serikali (government), it specifies the context of the encouraged integrity. It tells us that the promotion of integrity occurred within the government.